EXPERIMENT 1: Compaction Test ( Proctor Test )

OBJECTIVE:

To determine laboratory compaction test and obtain relationship of dry density ( γd ) Vs moisture
content ( w % )

APPARATUS

Standard compaction mould (with base plate and collar)

Standard compaction hammer (24.5)
10 to 12 moisture content cans
Steel straightedge
Sample extruder
Large mixing pan
Large spoon
Soil mixer (or other mixing tools, e.g., trowel, spoon or spatula)

PROCEDURE

1. Prepare about 3 to 4 kg of air-dry soil.

2. Pulverize soil and use only the ones passing no.4 sieve (4.75mm).
3. Conduct test for the first point at w of about 5% (by weight). Mix soil thoroughly.
4. Weight the compaction mould (i.e, without the collar and the base plate) and record in data
sheet.
5. Check the volume of mould (volume of standard mould is 1000cm3)
6. Fix the mould with the collar to the base plate.
7. Compact the soil in 3 layers, use 25 blows for each layers by using the hammer.
8. Detach collar and base plate.
9. Strike out soil at the top of mould by using the straightedge.
10. Weight the mould and soil and record its mass on data sheet.
11. Extrude soil from mould using the extruder.
12. Take soil samples and determine w (2 moisture content determination for each compaction
points).
13. Conduct at least 4 compaction points, i.e., sat at moisture content of about 5%, 10%, 20%
30% (by weight of dry soil).

1
Compaction test

Project___________________________________ Job No. _____________________________

Location of project_________________________ Boring ____________ Sample No._________
Description of soil_______________________________________________________________
Test Performed by______________________ Date of test_______________________________
Blows/Layer______________________ No. of Layers______________ Mass of rammer_____N
Mould dimensions: Dia. ___________cm Ht._____________ cm Vol. ________________cm3

Water content determination

Sample no. 1 2 3 4 5 6

Density and Unit weight: ρ = Mws/vol g/cm3; γwet = ρ x 9.807kN/m3

Assumed water content

Water content w%
Mass of soil + mould, g
Mass of mould, g
Mass of soil in mould, Mws
Wet unit weight, kN/m3
Dry unit weight, kN/m3

Water content, w%

Optimum Moisture = _______________________% Maximum dry unit weight, γd = ____kN/m3

2
QUESTION

You are asked by a consultant company to carry out proctor lab testing of soil samples obtained
from a newly undeveloped site. You are required to use the guidelines below to formulate results
on optimum moisture content and maximum dry density.

1. Plot γd Vs w (exclude the zero air void curve).

2. Determine the optimum moisture content, W opt and the maximum dry density (γd) max .
3. Use data sheet attached.